On Monday the 24th June we celebrated Matariki at East Otago High School.

40 Year 6 students from our contributing schools were welcomed to our school with a traditional Maori Mihi Whakatau at 9am. Our Year 7-10 students, and contributing school students were placed into 6 groups to participate in Maori workshops. Included were art, food preparation, Poi making, Maori Myth and Legend performance, Ki o Rahi, Maori games and pastimes. A shared lunch was enjoyed by all before the formal part of the day began.

At 2pm we had a special assembly to celebrate the life of Stefan Witehira who tragically passed away on school camp in December of 2017. Stefan was a community senior constable, BOT chairperson, and much loved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and so much more.

Four guest speakers shared their thoughts on Stefan including Toni Wall (Police), Tania Bungard (BOT Chairperson) Mike Fuller (Staff Representative) and Lauren Keen (Student Representative).

The whole school then moved to the front of the school where Waiariki Parata-Taiapa (Puketeraki Marae) expertly led us through the blessing of the rock, tree and unveiling of the plaque for Stefan. Kelyn Witehira spoke on behalf of the family before the tree was planted with the help of his brother Breeshyn. 

Our students sang waiata and performed a stirring haka to support this moving tribute.